Pictured above: Daniel Cisneros, Canutillo High School senior, received the College Board Scholarship.

Seven Canutillo High School sophomores and juniors will tour 13 East Coast schools this week as part of a new, local program aimed at exposing students to prestigious universities. Canutillo High School has the largest representation in the inaugural cohort of 26, which will depart tomorrow.

“This has been a year-long effort from applying, fundraising and now packing for the tour,” said Maria Villareal, Canutillo High School counselor who will chaperone students on the trip. “The goal of this is to get students excited about higher education and the options our students have at these well-known universities.”

To be accepted into the program, a partnership between Undergraduate College Consulting & Tours and the Ivy League Project, students were required to have a minimum GPA of 96 and take advanced academic courses, among other requirements. The trip cost over $2,500, and it was the students’ responsibility to fundraise upon their selection to the program.

“Our CHS students sold chocolates, held a talent show, a basketball game, had various yard sales and sent over 100 letters asking for sponsorship,” Villareal said. “One student was able to secure over $1,500 in sponsorship donations while the College Board provided a scholarship for another.”

In addition to touring the campuses listed below and meeting with deans and directors, the students will also meet with Julian Castro, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, former Mayor of San Antonio and rumored candidate for Vice President.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these students,” said Luis Martinez, co-founder of Undergrads College Consulting & Tours.

Students will depart from the El Paso International Airport at 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, and return on Friday, July 3.